TEXT: SECRETARY OF STATE'S TRIP TO EUROPE ON IRAQI SITUATION

(Maintaining close relationships with European allies) (530)
Washington -- Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright will travel to
Ukraine, Italy, Germany, France, the United Kingdom and Canada,
departing from Washington on Thursday, March 5, the State Department
announced March 2.
"The twofold purpose of her trip," Spokesman James Rubin said, "will
be to maintain close relationships with some of our strongest European
allies, especially in light of diplomatic developments in Iraq, and to
nurture our relationship with Ukraine."
The Secretary is scheduled to return to Washington on Tuesday
afternoon, March 10.
Following is the State Department text:
(begin text)
U.S. Department of State
Office of the Spokesman
March 2, 1998
STATEMENT BY JAMES P. RUBIN, SPOKESMAN
Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright will travel to Ukraine,
Italy, Germany, France, the United Kingdom and Canada, departing from
Washington on Thursday, March 5. The twofold purpose of her trip will
be to maintain close relationships with some of our strongest European
allies, especially in light of diplomatic developments in Iraq, and to
nurture our relationship with Ukraine.
Secretary Albright will make her first trip to Ukraine as Secretary of
State on March 6 to demonstrate U.S. concern for market reform,
democratization and Ukraine's place in the new Europe. During her
visit to Kiev, she will meet with President Kuchma. Their discussions
will focus on non-proliferation concerns and the business and
investment climate in Ukraine.
From Ukraine, Secretary Albright will travel to Rome, Italy for
meetings on Saturday, March 7 with Prime Minister Prodi and Foreign
Minister Dini, encouraging continued cooperation in areas of mutual
concern, such as the Balkans, NATO, Iran, Iraq and the Middle East
Peace Process. Secretary Albright will also visit the Holy See to meet
with Pope John Paul II, the Vatican Secretary of State Sodano, Foreign
Minister Tauran and Sant'Egidio founder Riccardi. Her meetings with
Vatican officials will focus on common interests in promoting peace
and reconciliation in the Balkans and the Middle East, human rights
and democratization in Cuba, and the plight of refugees worldwide.
On Sunday, March 8, the Secretary will travel to Germany and France.
In Bonn, Secretary Albright will meet with Foreign Minister Kinkel.
The Secretary will then travel to Paris to meet with Foreign Minister
Vedrine. Later on Sunday she will travel to London, and she will see
British Foreign Minister Cook on Monday, March 9. Discussions will
focus on Iraq, as we continue to work with our allies and UN Security
Council colleagues to ensure that any agreement between the Security
Council and Baghdad makes clear that Saddam Hussein will not be able
to flout UNSC resolutions with impunity.
From Europe, Secretary Albright will travel to Ottawa, Canada for an
official visit from March 9 to 10, in response to Canadian Foreign
Minister Axworthy's invitation. The Secretary, the Foreign Minister
and Prime Minister Chretien plan to address the range of important
bilateral issues as well as our international partnership. Topics of
discussion will include Pacific salmon, environmental cooperation and
border issues.
The Secretary is scheduled to return to Washington on Tuesday
afternoon, March 10.
(end text)